With warm weather comes outdoor picnics, barbecues, and lots of other fun activities. Unfortunately, it also brings out our dreaded enemy: the mosquito.
Mosquitoes love it when we get together outdoors. They’re into woodsy backyards and flower-filled patios. The more you appear to be having a great time, the more they come out in hoards!
While there are mosquito repelling products you spray and apply to your skin, it sort of ruins the mood. Who wants to be covered with that stuff when you’re trying to enjoy a quiet afternoon outdoors? Mosquito control is paramount in enjoying a warm summer night on your patio or in your backyard.
This led us to hunt for an effective, long-lasting compromise. We wanted to find the best mosquito control for your yard and patio.
So, we rounded up five, quick-acting repellents that you can set up around your home. Read our in-depth guide and product review to find out how you can enjoy living mosquito-free.
The Best Mosquito Control for Your Yard and Patio Buying Guide
Outdoor adventures, especially when the weather is warm, are all fun and exciting! Yet, the one gear you can’t ever do without is a reliable, top-quality mosquito repellent.
Read ahead to find out what to look for when buying mosquito control for your yard and patio.
Ingredients
Essential Oils
All-natural and plant-based, essential oils are becoming more and more popular. They don’t contain any chemicals or other toxic ingredients.
That being said, they’re not as effective as picaridin or DEET. They can also be dangerous if inhaled in large quantities. So, make sure you check the warnings on the package.
These natural ingredients may include:
- Citronella
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
Picaridin
Picaridin is one of the most popular synthetic mosquito repellents on a global scale. Studies show that products containing 20% picaridin can last for up to eight hours.
In fact, it’s considered the best repellent by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This led to its release on the consumer market in the US in 2005.
Luckily, it doesn’t damage any surfaces. Yet, it’s still chemical-based, which means you should read the label thoroughly before use.
DEET
Developed by the US Army to safeguard soldiers from as many kinds of insects as possible. Then, manufacturers began mass-producing it for the consumer market.
It’s been the most widely sold mosquito repellent since the 1950s. It only took second place after picaridin was introduced on the market.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has declared DEET-based products to be highly effective mosquito repellents. Not only that, but DEET is the only repellent available on the market that the CDC recommends for protection against ticks as well.
DEET-based products are available from 4% to 100%. At lower percentages, they’re safe to use on children as young as two months old.
One downside is that it’s toxic because of the chemical ingredients used to make it. Another drawback is it tends to ruin certain fabrics and surfaces. Materials like plastic, rubber, leather, and vinyl are all at the mercy of DEET.
Always make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for applying it. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands several times after handling DEET-based products.
Permethrin
Permethrin is less toxic than picaridin or DEET. So, it’s safer in that sense. Yet, this also means it’s not as long-lasting. Plus, many agencies, like the World Health Organization (WHO), say it’s better if you don’t apply it directly to your skin. They recommend applying it to your gear for safer, more effective results.
Some people prefer to apply it to their clothes. It sticks to clothing much longer than the skin, even after several runs through the machine.
IR3535
The IR stands for Insect Repellent and was first introduced to the market in 1999. This repellent contains fewer chemicals than picaridin and DEET.
It’s why it’s the weakest of all types of synthetic-based mosquito repellents. You’ll need to reapply frequently. Still, it does a pretty good job of keeping mosquitoes and ticks at bay. Nonetheless, make sure you read the instructions before use and always wash your hands afterward.
Ease of Use
Mosquito control comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Now, you can choose between sprays, wipes, lotions, candles, and so much more!
You also have to choose the one that’s easy to use and gets quick results. Do you have children? Would an electronic repellent be safer? Or would you prefer spraying the entire lawn several times a year and be done with it?
Here are the three main types of mosquito repellents, so you can decide which works best for you:
- Natural: made from essential oils and plant-based ingredients
- Chemical: made from potent chemicals that hide your scent from mosquitoes
- Technological: stationary or portable design to ward off mosquitoes from any location
Longevity
How long will the repellent be effective? That’s an important factor when deciding on what type of mosquito control you should get.
Look for repellents that last for the entire time you’ll be outdoors. Backyard sprays usually can last for up to 10 to 12 weeks before re-applying.
The 5 Best Mosquito Control for Your Yard and Patio
Hate getting eaten up by mosquitoes? Looking for a way to make sure your next outdoor trip is void of pesky little flying insects?
Here’s our comprehensive product review of the best mosquito control for your yard and patio. Whether you’re a gardener or you’re planning on a backyard get-together, these five picks will do the trick!
1. Cutter Backyard Bug Control: Best Coverage
To eliminate mosquitoes from your backyard once and for all, The Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray is a terrific choice. For starters, a 32-ounce bottle can protect a yard that’s 5,000 square feet.
Another plus is that it’s easy to apply thanks to its hose-end attachment. All you have to do is attach the nozzle to a garden hose and spray away.
The main ingredient in the Cutter Backyard spray is lambda-cyhalothrin. It helps kill larvae before hatching, thus reducing the number of mosquitoes in the area.
The manufacturer recommends spraying every 12 weeks. Yet, we noticed that spraying every nine weeks gets better results. This means you can spray once at the beginning of each season. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy those lazy, hazy summer afternoons.
Pros
- Offers a wide coverage of up to 5,000 square feet
- Lasts for up to 12 weeks
- Comes with a hose-end attachment for easy application
- Doesn’t require any mixing or preparation
Cons
- Could be toxic to pets
2. Summit Mosquito Dunks: Best Dunks
Dunks kill mosquito larvae and prevent them from breeding. You can place them in ponds, birdbaths, or other areas where there’s stagnant water. Summit Mosquito Dunks float on the surface and can last up to a whole month.
Simply put one or two in areas where you think seem appealing for mosquito larvae to thrive. Then, take out the old ones and replace them once a month for best results.
Each dunk is potent enough to work in a 100-square foot radius. We also like that the depth of the water isn’t an issue. So, they work in ponds just as well as they do in rain barrels or planter reservoirs.
The reason we like this type of mosquito control is that it gets to the source of the problem, rather than fighting the mosquitoes themselves. Plus, they won’t harm fish, frogs, or birds. So, it’s a win-win!
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Needs to be replaced only once a month
- Safe and toxic-free
- Kills larvae before they can hatch
Cons
- It may require more than one dunk in the beginning to get quicker results
3. Murphy’s Natural Mosquito Repellent: Best Incense Sticks
Murphy’s Natural incense sticks are a great way to get rid of mosquitoes while enjoying a pleasant aroma. The best part is they contain all-natural ingredients. They’re safe to use and better for the environment.
The manufacturer recommends that you light them 10 minutes before you head outdoors. We like that each incense stick can last for about two and a half hours and can cover an area almost 12 feet wide.
We set up four incense sticks around our yard and put them several feet apart to provide better protection. It worked out great and we were able to enjoy our backyard barbeque in peace.
A good tip to try is if you notice a stick about to come to an end, light up a second one beside it. We found that they work best when you light them one after the other so their effect doesn’t wear off.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Made with natural ingredients
- One stick can last up to two hours
- Each stick covers a 12-foot radius
Cons
- Some sticks may require a couple of tries to light up
4. Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer: Best Lantern
Do you hate chemical sprays and scents floating around in your backyard? Then, the Flowtron BK-15D mosquito repellent lantern is for you. It works via a nontoxic ultraviolet 15-watt light bulb and a 9-inch electric cord. Plug it in and as soon as they come near, it zaps them, killing them instantly.
The heavy-duty ring on top is impressive. We were able to hang the lantern almost anywhere we wanted thanks to that ring. Best of all, it can cover a maximum area of half an acre, which is pretty impressive for the size.
Plus, the solid mesh construction means it’s safe to use around children and pets. The manufacturer recommends you hang it slightly overhead. This way, it can attract as many flying insects as possible.
We like that it’s visually appealing. Its durable design blends well in the background of almost every outdoor setting. We also like how easy it is to clean. Just remove the bottom tray, throw everything out, wipe it with a damp cloth, then slide it back in.
Pros
- Covers an area of half an acre
- Weatherproof and rust-resistant
- Safe and easy to maintain
- Visually appealing
Cons
- The electrical cord may be a bit short for some users
5. Mosquito Guard Repellent: Best Candle
Of all the essential oils, citronella is the most effective. Yet, on its own, its effect is only mild, as stated by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA).
When you combine citronella with other essential oils, the effect becomes stronger. The manufacturer says each candle lasts three or four hours, but it’s closer to just one hour of burn time.
These candles are an ideal choice for your yard or patio, especially when you’re having a get-together. They’ll help keep mosquitoes and other creepy, crawly, and flying insects at bay and cover a 12-foot radius.
Plus, they add a calm, inviting feel to the setting. Light them up and place them around the table to make the most of these adorable repellents.
Pros
- Made with plant-based ingredients
- Give off a refreshing aroma
- Create a calm, inviting ambiance
- Come in a pack of 16 portable and compact tea light candles
Cons
- Don’t work well in windy areas
Our Top Pick
Just because you enjoy being outdoors doesn’t mean you have to put up with the annoying buzzing and itchy bites.
Our top five selections offer the best mosquito control for your yard and patio. We have something for everyone, from small yards to big yards and everything in between.
Are you looking for a potent repellent with a chemical-based formula? Then, you should try the Cutter Backyard Bug Control. It’s powerful, long-lasting, and covers a pretty wide area.
We like that you only need to spray once or so every three months. The hose attachment is also pretty handy and makes it easy to use.
However, if you prefer to deal with plant-based products, we recommend the Flowtron BK-15D Electronic Insect Killer. This electronic repellent means you can do without the inconvenience and hassle of insecticides. It’s effective as long as it’s plugged in and has a killing radius of about half an acre.